EIGHT months after its reopening, the Embassy of Sweden in the Philippines hosted the 2017 Swedish National Day celebration at the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La at the Fort.
Spearheaded by Ambassador Harald Fries, the momentous celebration also marked the 70th anniversary of diplomatic connections between Sweden and the Philippines, with “Swedish Innovation in the Philippines” as its theme.
With the opportunity to introduce a modern, creative and innovative image of Sweden to the Filipinos, the embassy presented a special virtual-reality performance, which featured Stockholm’s most beautiful tourist spots. Cutting-edge firms from the said country also presented their products at the event.
In his opening remarks, Fries said, “Swedish companies have world-class know-how and technology for sustainable and smart solutions in sectors, such as infrastructure, energy and transportation.”
A priority of the new embassy is to enhance people-to-people relationships between the two countries, and position Sweden as a country that places great importance to environmental sustainability, democracy, good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law, which are all vital characteristics of sustainable development.
The ambassador concluded that, “The 70 years of excellent diplomatic relationship we have shared is only the beginning. I look forward to doing my very best—together with the rest of the embassy staff—to further strengthen the ties that bind our countries.”
More than 400 guests from the government, diplomatic corps, civil society and business sectors enjoyed an evening of food, drinks and dancing to the hits of seminal Swedish pop group Abba.